Three Takeaways from the Blue Jackets 3-2 loss to Carolina

Rick Gethin

FOX Sports Ohio

One: The first period was all Blue Jackets, all the time. They dominated the Hurricanes with a very good fore-check, crisp, clean passing and entered the zone with speed. This directly led to the two goals that Derek MacKenzie and RJ Umberger scored.

Two: In the 2nd, and again in the 3rd period, Carolina pushed back. Columbus was able to weather the storm in the 2nd, but not so much in the 3rd. Their passing was not on the mark and they were unable to exert sustained pressure in the Carolina zone. The Blue Jackets didn't seem to have an answer for Carolina's "push back".

Three: The fourth line of Derek MacKenzie, Mark Letestu and Corey Tropp continues to impress. Not only did they get on the scoresheet tonight, they were defensively sound when the puck was in their zone, typified by Tropp blocking a shot square to the shooter. I don't see how this line can be broken up moving forward, regardless of who comes off Injured Reserve.